What to expect as Team USA takes on Belgium in the women’s basketball at Paris 2024

Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, is the home for the group play games at Paris 2024. Lille is close to the border of Belgium, and is closer to Belgian star Emma Meesseman’s hometown of Ypres than it is to Paris. Though there will likely be many more U.S. fans at the Olympics than there were at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, you can still expect to see a loud and proud contingent of Belgian fans there to cheer on their team.

What those fans will see is two teams who are strong in the paint with some excellent sharpshooters from the outside. Meesseman, a WNBA champ in 2019 with the Washington Mystics, has the height and skill to keep up with the U.S. post players, and has a strong partnership with teammate Antonia Delaere. Julie Vanloo can hit a clutch three when needed, but the team does miss Julie Allemand, who was ruled out of the Olympics with an injury last week. As most of the Belgian team decided to stay in Europe this year to focus on their national team play, they have a strong chemistry that they will hope to use to their advantage against the mighty Team USA.

The big difference between the two teams is the depth the U.S. has. The entire team is made up of women with experience in the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, the WNBA and EuroLeague. If A’ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, gets in foul trouble, Stewart, also a two-time MVP, can help out. If Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd is having a hard time getting shots to fall, Olympic gold medalist Jackie Young can help out.

Belgium’s women’s basketball program has grown in recent years. The Cats can test the U.S., so this is a game you won’t want to miss.